When in Las Vegas, the fun doesn’t have to end inside the city itself. There are so many truly REMARKABLE places nearby, and I’m extremely excited to let you in on some of the best day trips from Las Vegas by car. Trust me, you won’t believe how easy and fun it’s to really get out and see so much more of that ICONIC city itself.
Day trips from Vegas by car
I’ve always loved heading off for a new adventure. Whether traveling solo, with friends, or with family, a day trip from Las Vegas by car is the perfect way to experience something new. I’ve made so many of these trips, and it’s always a very WELCOME break from the neon lights. You can drive to those famous spots or even some hidden gems all within a couple of hours. Let’s see to it that we begin to explore all that you can see and do here!
Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is one of those really iconic places everyone should experience for themselves, and it’s not that far from Las Vegas itself! I’ve visited a few times and can say it’s absolutely worthwhile. The journey takes about 4 to 5 hours each way, but the views along the route are BREATHTAKING. Once you arrive at the Grand Canyon itself, its massive scale and sheer beauty will leave you amazed. Believe me, it is a sight you’ve gotta see firsthand to see it. It’s truly one of my favourite day trips to make, and I’m certain it’ll be yours too!
Zion National Park day trip distance
If you’re a nature enthusiast, then Zion National Park is an ESSENTIAL destination visit!! I still vividly remember my very first time driving from Las Vegas to Zion – the trip itself took just about 2. 5 hours, so it did seem like hardly any time at all. When you arrive at Zion, you’ll be surrounded by these extreme red rock formations, canyons, and those lush green spaces. It’s as though you’ve stepped right into another world itself. You could enjoy some of the easy walks here or take on some of the more challenging trails if you really wanna. Zion is one of those places that will leave you utterly speechless, and I always really recommend it to visitors who’re gonna Las Vegas itself.
Top day trips from Las Vegas
One of the easiest and most ACCESSIBLE day trips from Las Vegas by car is the Hoover Dam. It’s literally just 45 minutes away from the city, so it’s ideal for a quick trip out. I’ve been there several times myself, and it never loses its appeal. The sheer size and INCREDIBLE power of the dam are simply amazing. It’s also loads of fun getting all about its history and the role it played in changing the flow of the Colorado River. If you appreciate engineering feats or are looking for a cool spot for pictures, the Hoover Dam is a must!
Short trips from Las Vegas
I’m always up for a quick trip out, and the Valley of Fire is one of the best! This place is a hidden treasure – just about an hour away from Las Vegas itself. Those AMAZING red sandstone formations look like they were lifted right out of a movie itself. I’ve spent hours walking through the park and exploring the really UNIQUE rock formations as well as the wildlife. It’s also less crowded than some of the bigger parks, which actually makes it feel a lot more peaceful itself. If you look for a speedy escape, I recommend it!
Death Valley National Park
Are you ready for an adventure itself? Why don’t you drive on over to Death Valley National Park? This place is famous for being the hottest spot in the whole of North America, but don’t let that scare you. I’ve visited Death Valley on a couple of different occasions, and it’s simply a TRUE wonder. You can literally drive all around and see those salt flats and also the dunes themselves, and some of the many colourful canyons. It’s likely to be on another planet itself! Make sure you carry plenty of water and sunscreen with you, but don’t worry – the experience is so, so worth it. A trip to Death Valley is one you’ll write about.